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June 19, 2008

With Food Prices Rising, More Consumers Turn to Canning and Food Storage

by Sam Savage

DALEVILLE, Ind., June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- As the cost of feeding a family continues to rise, consumers are finding new ways to save. Some are growing their own produce, others are buying in bulk at discount stores, and many are canning and storing their food. A recent survey of 1,800 visitors to http://www.freshpreserving.com/ found that more than 70% of respondents intend to preserve more foods this year in an effort to save money on weekly groceries.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080619/NETH027 )

"It's no coincidence that we've experienced an increase in sales of Ball(R) jars and preserving products this year," commented Chris Scherzinger, Vice President of Marketing for Jarden Home Brands. "Typically in a down economy, with no end to rising food costs in sight, consumers will find entrepreneurial ways to save, such as fresh preserving and safely storing bulk items."

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food prices for basics such as cereals and grains and fresh fruits and vegetables has averaged a 5% increase from 2007 (http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/cpifoodandexpenditures/consumerpriceindex.ht m) (Due to length of URL, please copy and paste into browser). The United States Department of Labor has determined that food prices have increased each month thus far in 2008 (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm).

Lauren Devine, editor of the Ball Blue Book, added, "Properly preserving or freezing food can prolong its shelf-life and save hundreds of dollars a year. With the summer produce season upon us, now is a great time to preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables to enjoy year-round."

Consumers are taking note, as retail sales of Ball(R) food preserving products used for canning have increased 28% year-to-date since 2007, according to syndicated market data from IRI. Similarly, large Ball(R) jars, often used for food storage of rice, flour and sugar, have jumped nearly 40% in the past year. Sales of Ball(R) plastic freezing containers have doubled over the last year as people also turn to their freezers for easy heat-and-serve foods and to store leftovers.

For canning tips, recipes, products and consumer message boards, visit http://www.freshpreserving.com/. Recipes and how-to canning tips can also be retrieved by calling 1-800-240-3340.